Razor bumps: You can’t live with ‘em, but what if you could live without them?! Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to prevent and get rid of razor bumps while you reveal as much, or as little, as you like!

Picture this: it’s self-care Sunday, and you’re taking care of your beauty maintenance to-do list, which may include hair removal (set your own standard!). You shave your legs, armpits and any other areas of your body where you prefer smooth skin.

But before you can say “silky smooth,” those little unsightly, very irritating red razor bumps crop up right before your very eyes. And if we can all agree on one thing, it’s that there’s nothing sexy about razor bumps.

So, what can be done? Here’s what you need to know to become a pro at preventing and treating razor bumps. Smoother skin, here you come!

But first, what is razor burn (and why does it happen)?

Razor burn is a catchall term that refers to a rash that occurs after shaving due to irritation. This temporary condition commonly causes tenderness, a burning sensation, itchiness and small red bumps (ick).*

Razor bumps, specifically, are ingrown hairs that occur as a result of improper shaving (due to dull blades or forgoing shaving cream) or other hair removal techniques. As your body hair starts to grow back, it can curl inward and get trapped, causing these irritating razor bumps to form.

Now, it’s time to look at what steps you can take to dodge these dreaded bumps.

Step 1: Choose the right hair removal method

One of the best ways to get rid of razor bumps? Skip the shave. Razor burn and ingrown hairs are most common with shaving, so it may be time to consider an alternative hair removal method.

Options like waxing offer benefits like longer-lasting smoothness and hair that grows back thinner and slower over time.

Try a waxing product like Veet® Professional™ Wax Strips, For Legs & Body, Sensitive Skin, With Almond Oil^* that removes hair follicles from the root, which helps minimize irritation, redness and ingrown hairs. Plus, these strips leave skin exfoliated, and you can enjoy that smoothness for up to 28 days!

Designed for tougher-to-remove hair, depilatory creams like Veet® Professional™ Hair Removal Cream^* or Veet® Professional™ Full Bikini Hair Removal Cream Kit^* prevent ingrown hairs by dissolving your body hair to result in smoother skin.

Need help deciding on a hair removal solution? Read Which Veet product is right for me?

Step 2: Become a pro at proper application

There are some key things to keep in mind when it comes to perfecting your hair removal technique:

• Check the direction of your hair growth: lightly run your fingers against your skin –  if it feels smooth, then you’re following the direction of hair growth. Be sure to remove hair in the direction it’s growing.If you’re waxing, place the strip in the direction of hair growth and remove it in the opposite direction to pull the hair right from the root.
  If you decide to shave, follow the way your hair is growing by shaving downwards on your legs. Shaving against the grain will increase your risk of ingrown hairs or razor bumps.
• Let it grow: Allow your hair to grow at least 1.5mm before waxing or shaving.
• Read the label and instructions carefully before using any hair removal solution.
• For whatever product you choose, do a patch test at least 24 hours before to help avoid any skin reaction.
• Ensure that the area you are going to wax is completely clean and dry for optimal results.
• Rinse your body thoroughly after hair removal to remove any product and keep your pores clear.

Step 3: Don’t forget post-treatment care

It’s also important to incorporate a few easy after-care steps to help maintain silky smooth skin and avoid irritation and razor bumps:

• Keep your skin hydrated: Use a gentle, unscented moisturizer after shaving or waxing to close your pores and lock in moisture. Ingredients like aloe or tea tree can help soothe and treat razor burn.
• Avoid heat: Dodge hot showers and saunas for the first 24 hours after hair removal to prevent the skin from getting aggravated.
• Exfoliate often: Regularly exfoliate your skin with a gentle body wash in between hair removal sessions to help remove dead skin cells so they won’t get trapped under the skin or cause irritation during hair removal.

Looking for more aftercare tips? Check out Things To Do Or Avoid After A Wax

Now that you know how to prevent and get rid of razor bumps, you can go forth and remove unwanted hair with confidence and say, “Here I am,” to healthy, smooth skin for summer.

Want to feel extra smooth this summer? Read these Top Tips for Smooth Legs

^*Ensure this product is right for you. Always read and follow the product label.